CHRIST OUR EVERLASTING REWARD – REVELATION 22
This wonderful chapter does two things – it tells us what kind of future is coming and urges us to get ready.
The time has come – we have listened and learned; it is time to leave behind the City of Destruction and set out on the pilgrim path to the New Jerusalem.
It’s time because you have to choose whose side you are on in the great battle of the universe – are you a follower of the Lamb or a captive of the great dragon? A citizen of the doomed city of Babylon ( symbol of the world) or a citizen of the New Jerusalem ( a symbol of the church)?
vs 1-5 – a word of revelation – – respond because there is a new world coming
A world of indescribable life, beauty, joy and fulfilment – and lasting forever! One day God will make all things new!
V 6 – a word of assurance – respond because these things are true. It’s coming. It may seem like a fairy tale at times but the proof and pledge that the new creation is coming is the resurrection of Jesus by the power of God.
Vs 7 – 9 – a word of encouragement – respond because you will be blessed. You will inherit and enjoy all the wonders of the new world and sit at the table in the King’s Great Feast – ch 19:9 How can any material, earthly possession match this?
vs 10-11 – a word of urgency – respond because now is the time of opportunity and the day of grace. The book is unsealed and the time is near! None of us knows how much time in life God will grant us.
Vs 12-16 – – a word of motivation–respond because your eternal destiny is at stake. Notice there are two different judgements here
V12 – a judgement of the works of each and every person – cf 2 Corinthians 5:10 – follow Jesus, live faithfully as his disciple that you may find his reward.
Vvs14-15 – the judgement of inclusion and exclusion – those welcomed into the holy city have been washed their robes; but outside and excluded from the city are those who have loved, served and worshipped sin and idols.
The angel tells John in v 9 – worship God! This is the final issue – will we worship God or worship some created thing as an idol.
There is certainly cleansing and pardon for any of the sins listed in v15 but it must be sought and found in the blood of Jesus, and through a repentance that forsakes and relinquishes the sinful practice.
Vs 16-17 – a word of invitation – respond because everyone may freely come.
A heavenly quartet of voices invite us to come – Jesus, his angelic messenger speaking to John, the Holy Spirit and the bride – the church. 4 voices calling us to accept the invitation to drink the free gift of the water of life .
Vs 18-19 – a word of warning – respond because this message is the only one that can save.
Liberalism – do not take away anything that is said in the Scriptures or undermine its authority. God’s Word is true and trustworthy is all it affirms.
Legalism – the evangelical disease – do not add anything by way of the requirements for heaven to the simplicity of faith in God. No man-made rules!
Vs 20-21 – – a word of promise – respond because Jesus is coming back soon. One day it will indeed be the world’s last day – but if we want to be ready for that day the time to do something about it is today!
So let us do 4 things:
- Declare the Amen – come Lord Jesus – look forward to his glorious coming
- Don’t doubt – accept these words as the very Word of God
- Don’t delay – allow these words to impress on you the urgency of the great eternal matters described in this chapter
- Do take – lay hold by simple faith of the gift offered to you. Let nothing hold you back from this coming glory.